Exploring the Biden Administration’s Push for an AI-Savvy Federal Workforce
Amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Biden administration is taking significant steps to ensure the federal workforce is not left behind. The New Democrat Coalition’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group is pivotal in this effort, having recently reached out to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to emphasize the need for a strategic upskilling of the federal workforce in AI technologies.
In a concerted effort to lay the groundwork for this ambitious initiative, the lawmakers penned a letter to OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar. Their communication not only underscored the mandates of President Joe Biden’s comprehensive executive order on AI but also stressed the need for developing the federal workforce to implement AI systems effectively and mitigate the risk of worker displacement. The success of this initiative, they argue, hinges on the full funding and support of federal agencies.
The letter elaborates, “As the executive order describes, the development and deployment of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems and applications will require a whole-of-government approach. This approach must be led by a talented federal workforce that is keenly aware of the unique benefits and challenges associated with different AI use-cases.” Highlighting the diverse applications of AI — from national security to financial services and manufacturing — the lawmakers call for a federal workforce that is as varied and robust as the field of AI itself.
Championed by AI Working Group Chair Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and Vice Chair Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), the initiative saw the backing of 38 lawmakers, reflecting a substantial interest across the political spectrum. These lawmakers emphasized that fostering diversity within STEM fields could significantly bolster innovation in both public and private sectors of AI.
A focal point of their letter was the overarching goal stated in the executive order: to cultivate a competent federal AI workforce, to upskill and reskill the current workforce, and to ensure diverse participation in AI and related fields. To these ends, the lawmakers have sought clarification from OSTP Director Prabhakar on how the administration intends to execute these ambitious workforce development goals. They are particularly interested in the coordination between federal agencies regarding AI fellowship programs, such as those at the National Science Foundation and the National AI Research Resource pilot program.
Moreover, the letter queries the potential impact of initiatives like the National AI Talent Surge, questioning how these efforts will inclusively prioritize training and educational programs for marginalized communities and workers. An additional concern raised by lawmakers involves understanding OSTP’s strategies for balancing the risks and benefits of AI systems through workforce reskilling and upskilling, engaging agencies like the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board in the process.
In expressing the urgency of these developments, Chair Derek Kilmer stated, “New Dems are committed to ensuring the responsible development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent across all sectors of the economy, it’s critical that we build a workforce to match.” Kilmer’s statement reflects a keen awareness of the transformative potential of AI across the economic spectrum and underscores the bipartisan commitment to preparing the American workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
As the dialogue between lawmakers and the OSTP unfolds, the responses to these queries will offer further insight into how the U.S. plans to harness the potential of AI, ensuring that the federal workforce remains at the cutting edge of this technological revolution.
